Inside Nigeria’s First 5-Star Hotel

– What you should know about the N30 b Intercontinental Hotel & Resort

WITH 23 floors, Intercontinental Hotels, Lagos is Nigeria’s first five-star hotel and the tallest in West Africa boasting of 358 rooms, 37 suites including a presidential suite, seven meeting rooms, seven restaurants and bars and a 1,000-seater ballroom. The multi-billion naira hotel which was officially declared open on Sunday, September 29, 2013, gulped over N30 billion.

ENCOMIUM Weekly’s checks revealed that the project which took seven years to execute is owned by Ramesh Valechha-led Milan Group but designed by a Nigerian architect, Bayo Odunlami. Adjudged the most expensive hotel in Lagos, all the rooms in the N30 billion edifice offer stunning views of either the Lagos creek or the Atlantic Ocean.

A standard room goes for N75,000. A single bed deluxe room is N83,200. A bedroom deluxe suite goes for an average of N277,000 (the price varies depending on the discount for each day).

The Executive Ambassador suite goes for N315,000 while the presidential room is $4,000 (N640,000). The ground floor of the hotel has the reception, Ekaabo Restaurant, lobby, café and soul lounge.

The second floor boasts of the Milano Bar and Restaurant, Soho Restaurant. The conference, meeting and banquet rooms are positioned on the third floor, while the fourth floor is the Business Centre. The fifth floor parades the gym, swimming pool and the SP Restaurant. Floor six to 19 accommodates the guest rooms. Club Intercontinental rooms are in floor 20. The Club Intercontinental lounge and club rooms are in floor 21, while the 22nd floor has the Executive Suite and Business Rooms. Floor 23 is where the Presidential suite and business rooms are situated.

AMENITIES IN THE ROOMS – With technology playing a key role in enhancing the guests’ experience, each of the rooms is equipped with high speed broad band services, in-room entertainment. The Club Intercontinental rooms and all suites offer an experience with Bose Music and espresso coffee stations offered in each room. A mini bar, health and fitness centre, laundry services, spa, amongst others, are on offer.

THE CLUB INTERCONTINENTAL – The brand’s iconic Club Intercontinental is located on the 20 and 21 floor with captivating Atlantic Ocean views. The lounge is an exclusive haven of relaxation and comfort, offering a wide range of complimentary amenities for guests. It provides a perfect setting for breakfast, all day fresh canapé, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. With a separate boardroom in the lounge, guests have the convenience to hold short meetings while taking advantage of the lounge’s privacy.

DINING AND ENTERTAINING – The hotel features seven dynamic and innovative outlets, four restaurants, one lobby lounge, two bars, all with superb décor and relaxing ambience.

STAFFERS – Over 650 Nigerians were employed, while 24 expatriates spice up the staff strength.

On Sunday, September 29, 2013, chairman of the Milan Group, Mr. Ramesh Valechha confirmed the story, “The hotel costs over N30 billion. We also employed 650 Nigerians. This is part of our noble contribution to the economic environment with which our businesses are set.

“The architectural design and construction of the 358 rooms and 23-storey magnificent hotel were executed by a Nigerian while financing was undertaken by two local banks, Skye and Wema. There are 260 superior rooms, 61 club or business rooms, 36 suites and a presidential suite.”

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